Remapping the Illegitimate Border (Countering the Legacy of the War of 1812 and the Treaty of Ghent), an installation piece by artist Dylan Miner in collaboration with Indigenous and Latino Youth of Waawayeyaattanong, the Autonomous Windsor-Detroit Borderlands, at the Art Gallery of Windsor during the Border Cultures: Part One (homes, land) exhibition. (Photo: Frank Piccolo)

Itah Sadu from A Different Booklist, an independent bookstore and literary cultural destination in Toronto, receives the 2016 Premier's Award for Excellence in the Arts (Arts Organization Award). (Photo: Sonia Cacoilo)

Contact

Shoshana Wasser

Funds Support Deaf Artists and Artists with Disabilities

February 6, 2015

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has established resources for Deaf artists and artists with disabilities.

OAC’s new strategic plan,Vital Arts and Public Value, identifies Deaf artists and artists with disabilities as a new priority group. A number of initiatives have been established to support this group.

Support for costs to prepare applications

OAC will provide up to $500 per individual in one fiscal year towards the costs of accessibility services [e.g. translation from American Sign Language (ASL) or langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) to English or French, a personal assistant to read aloud OAC documents or to transcribe verbal responses and prepare the written application, assistive devices or software]. Artists are responsible for arranging the accessibility support.

Support for accessibility costs for applicants

Applicants with a disability or who are Deaf, may also apply for financial support towards the costs of accessibility services related to realizing a project (e.g. ASL/LSQ interpretation, personal assistants, transportation, assistive devices or software). Funds toward these costs will be awarded in addition to the artists’ grant. For details, please contact the granting officer responsible for the program of your choice.

Deaf and Disability Arts Projects program

OAC has established a new program dedicated to Deaf artists and artists with disabilities. Program guidelines and application forms will be available in Spring 2015. The deadline for this program is July 3, 2015.

For more than 50 years, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians. In 2016-17, OAC funded 1,657 individual artists and 1,098 organizations in 212 communities across Ontario for a total of $50.8 million.